The Russian corporation Irkut has rolled out its new medium-haul airliner as the country aims to challenge commercial plane-industry leaders Boeing and Airbus.

The single-aisle MC-21, designed for up to 211 seats, was introduced to the public on June 8 at the plant in the Siberian city of Irkutsk.

"I am sure that the MC-21 airliner will take up its rightful place in the world market," Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said at the unveiling. "Russia must remain in the top league of aviation producers."

The model is expected to replace the Soviet-era Tupolev Tu-154 and make their first test flights by the end of the year or in early 2017.

With a range of nearly 6,400 kilometers, the MC-21 will take on Boeing's 737 and Airbus's A320 series.